I've been fortunate to either witness or be part of a couple of REALLY cool shows lately. The first was an Elizabeth Cook Opry performance on a Saturday night show which featured Loretta Lynn. It was a privilege and an honor to stand on the side of the stage and watch Ms. Lynn perform "Coal Miner's Daughter" on the Grand Ole' Opry in a flaming red dress!!! Especially since I had just watched the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" for about the hundredth time on the very same day. I had also watched "Walk the Line" for about the 20th time the same week and was a little awe-struck to see John Carter Cash hanging out backstage as well. I'm smart enough to know that a Hollywood version of someone's life is only a shallow representation of the real thing. But I'm still goofy enough to be impressed by it all. I was fortunate to meet the famous Lynn twins, Patsy and Peggy, who had their own band called The Lynns for which my husband played guitar. Very nice ladies, both of them. As they both stood chatting with John Carter Cash, it struck me how as children of Country/Americana music icons they are members of an elite club. They have paid some heavy dues, no doubt. Then, a week or two later I sang backing vocals for Elizabeth at a charity event featuring performances by some seasoned Opry performers like Connie Smith, Jan Howard, Brenda Lee, and Jeannie Sealy, and Pam Tillis. The highlight of that evening was watching Crystal Gale perform "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and a couple other songs she absolutely sang the heck out of! (The other highlight was being offered pizza by Marty Stewart, which I politely declined but was glad to be asked just the same.) I have to say, neither Loretta nor Crystal have lost a THING since their heyday as hit makers and chart-toppers. I was quite pleased with myself as I was told by Vince Gill's backup singer "Boy, you sure do sing high"! Two great nights, several great performances, a couple of indelible memories. Thanks to EC for inviting me along to the party, once again.